This list covers 53 literary boy names that start with D, running from “Dante” to “Dostoevsky”. The names come from novels, plays, poems, myths, and the authors who wrote them. You can use them to name a baby, a character in your own story, or a pet, or you can simply browse for ideas.

Literary boy names are first names borrowed from books, poems, plays, and the writers behind them. Some, like “Dorian” from Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, became popular almost entirely because of one famous character.

Below you’ll find the table with the name, origin, pronunciation, meaning, and description for each entry.

Name: The spelling of each boy name, listed alphabetically, so you can scan the list quickly and spot the options that catch your eye.

Origin: The language or culture the name comes from, which helps you find names that match your family background or the heritage you prefer.

Pronunciation: A simple phonetic guide showing how to say the name aloud, with the stressed syllable in capitals, so you can use it with confidence.

Meaning: The original sense of the name, such as “dark river” or “beloved,” so you can choose a name that carries a message you like.

Description: A short note on the literary link, such as the book, character, or author tied to the name, and what kind of mood it brings.

Literary boy names

Descriptions